Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the proportion of unvaccinated older adults and the reasons that interfere with immunization against Influenza in rural riverside locations, discussing the potential implications on vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Method
Household-based survey conducted in 38 rural riverside locations in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, covered by a primary care Fluvial Health Unit. Participants answered a questionnaire that investigated living conditions, health status and access to health services. In this study, the outcomes related to immunization against Influenza in the last 12 months and the main reported reason for non-vaccination were evaluated. Descriptive data analysis was performed, followed by logistic regression to identify factors associated with non-vaccination.
Results
Of the 102 older adults included in the study, 28 (27.5%) reported not vaccinating against Influenza in the previous year. The main reasons were lack of information about vaccination (60.7%) and barriers to accessing health services (28.6%). An increased chance of non-vaccination was identified among those who did not see a doctor in the last year (OR=4.18; 95%CI=1.57-11.11) and those with higher household income (OR=1.08; 95%CI= 1.02-1.14).
Conclusion
A high proportion of older adults reporting no immunization against Influenza was identified. The reasons for non-vaccination may also represent barriers to the vaccination of this population group against COVID-19. Thus, it is necessary to improve the vaccination planning in rural riverside contexts, developing more contextualized strategies to assure coverage for this population, more vulnerable to the effects of respiratory diseases.
Keywords
Rural Population; Vaccination Coverage; Health of the Elderly; Influenza Vaccines